by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 25, 2022 | Book Reviews
Double Bossed by Rare is one of those books I started to read out of curiosity and later, thankfully, enjoyed. The main characters in this story are the bosses, a gay couple named Jacob and Hardin, and their assistant Faith.
Hardin was sexually abused by his mother when he was a teenager and forced to participate in sex for money. Because of this, he had a strong phobia of women and could not stand to be around them. Jacob encountered Hardin while on vacation and from the moment they met, it was magic. Jacob took him away from that life and they have been together since and established a fashion empire.
Hardin and Jacob never get female employees reporting to them directly because of Hardin’s condition yet of all the applicants to apply for the assistant position, Faith’s stood out.
There was hesitation at first to even interview her because but they gave her a chance. It was worrisome for Hardin because 1) she is female, 2) she is attractive, 3) he could see that Jacob was attracted to her, and 4) although he would not admit it, he was attracted to her, too.
Thankfully, for Faith, she turns out to be the best assistant they’ve ever had. Things start to get interesting when Faith finds herself drawn to both Jacob and Hardin. This started when Jacob would openly caress Hardin in front of her while the 3 are in a meeting. It all comes to a head when they go overseas and all stay at Jacob and Hardin’s house and their feelings for each other surface.
Classifying Double Bossed by Rare as a reverse harem does not really fit the bill since all three participants are in love with and physically attracted to each other. During their trysts, it was not uncommon for one man to be between Faith’s thighs while the other is in his ass at the same time. You’d think it would bother me, but it was well-written in a loving manner, and considering that the men are supposed to be gay, it made sense. I guess, in a way, it means they’re bi for Faith.
You can read Double Bossed by Rare at Goodnovel.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 23, 2022 | Book Reviews
Let me tell you something about He’s My Alpha by Cassandra M. I have been trying to write my review of this story for weeks now and I keep stalling – not because I have nothing to say but because I have a LOT to say. And yet I will restrain myself so that I don’t inadvertently give unforgivable spoilers.
Jacob and Claire have known each other for years, ever since they were kids. They are 5 years apart in age. Claire used to bring him treats like cupcakes and cookies that they would eat by the lake. Jake would let her join in when he and the other boys were playing, despite the protests of the others. Sweet, ain’t it?
Even at a young age Jake already knew that he didn’t want a Luna and mate and mentioned this to Claire, which made her sad. She even asked him, what if she was his Luna?
Fast forward to the present. Jacob Galhart is the Alpha of the Black Shadow pack and he does not want to have a mate. Claire Montrell is the sister of the Black Shadow pack’s Gamma, Aaron. On the day Claire turned 18, you know what happened? If you said that they discovered that they are mates then you are correct. But Jake refuses to accept her but does not reject her. Meanwhile, Claire is hurt and feels rejected and, of course, decides to leave.
Why is Jake so against having a Luna, and a mate? It all boils down to a curse and is pretty messed up. Their story gets more complicated when another Alpha enters the picture and wants Claire to be his Luna. Btw, said Alpha is not a bad guy. He is just really attracted to Claire.
Intrigued yet? To know more about this messed up couple check out He’s My Alpha by Cassandra M on Goodnovel. I swear Jake was driving me batty! You are likely to be as annoyed, frustrated, exasperated, and hooked on this story, lol!
This story is also available in paperback format on Amazon in case you want to hold and own the physical book.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 22, 2022 | Book Reviews
Stephanie Brother does it again with another Screaming Eagles MC reverse harem called Secret Baby for the Bikers. One wild night over a year ago with four bikers brings an unexpected result for Alessa. Despite using protection and contraception, her passionate encounter with Screaming Eagles Cleanup Crew (Viking, Hawk, Snark, and Bear) ended up forming a baby, Isabella, nine months later.
But things are not as simple as some guys getting a girl knocked up. This girl happens to be the granddaughter of the head of the mafia in their area, the Giordanos. Sidenote: I found that funny because, to me, Giordano is a shirt brand.
Alessa tried to reach out to them when she found out she was pregnant but despite her efforts, she could not even get passed the gate of the Screaming Eagles MC compound to talk to them. And so, despite the hardship, she decided to raise her child on her own.
Fast forward to 17 months later and a truce is being negotiated between the mafia and the Screaming Eagles. At the meeting, they all unexpectedly meet again and they then decide to look for Alessa. Days later, they go to her secret apartment and discover that they have a child.
Who the actual father is is not important, as far as they are concerned, all four of them were there, then all of them are the father. Complicate the story with a persistent mafioso suitor who won’t take no for an answer but does not know about her baby. Their feelings for each other were never in question. Despite the many months that have passed they are still quite attracted to Alessa and she felt the same. Her only real hesitation was how it would affect Izzy (short for Isabella) who is her number one priority.
I enjoyed reading this because it is a loving story, with not too much drama between the five of them. Even Hawk’s reticence made sense, I just knew there had to be a tragic backstory. The acceptance from all the men upon learning about their daughter, Isabella, was just heartwarming. How many men would be that accepting from the get-go?
To be honest, when I “met” them in the first book, Taken by the Bikers, I pictured them older except for Snark, who I imagined to be in his early 20s.
This is a loving story from the start. It is all passion and having them fall in love is icing on the cake. Since there are four of them and only one of Alessa, there is always at least 1 man who is getting left out when they make out but somehow they make it work. I was excited to get to the claiming.
Secret Baby for the Bikers by Stephanie Brother is easy to read since it isn’t angst-riddled. I enjoyed every moment I spent reading it. You can get a copy of Secret Baby for the Bikers by Stephanie Brothers on Amazon starting October 23, 2022.
If you want to know what happens a few years down the line with Alessa and her family, you can check out the bonus chapter here.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 21, 2022 | Public Service
When I wrote about how to apply for a PWD ID in 2018, I made sure to include a section on whether applications can get disapproved. And for those who didn’t bother to read the article, the answer is YES! Non-apparent disabilities can be rejected if the accompanying documents are unable to substantially prove that the applicant is qualified for a PWD ID.
I cannot blame the PDAO for thoroughly examining the documents, as there are many applicants who do not genuinely have a disability but simply wish to take advantage of the benefits granted to those who do. I am aware of individuals who have purchased their PWD IDs by falsely claiming to have a mental disability. If a lack of conscience can be considered a mental disability, then that certainly applies here!
Non-apparent disabilities
Mental disabilities
Certain mental disabilities, such as ADHD and bipolar disorder, often require a comprehensive medical abstract from a licensed psychologist affiliated with a hospital before they can be approved. I’ve heard of cases where a person may have both ADHD and bipolar disorder simultaneously, frequently accompanied by severe depression. Although this can occur, approval for these conditions will not be granted without the necessary medical documentation.
Orthopedic disabilities
Orthopedic disabilities that are not immediately visible may be denied if the accompanying documentation, such as the medical abstract, does not adequately demonstrate that the condition qualifies as a disability.
Disc herniation
A slipped (or herniated) disc, for example, is not considered a disability. I am not a doctor, so please don’t quote me on this, but I assume that a herniated disc is not approved because it is common and does not significantly impact our lives in the long term.
According to the Mayo Clinic, disc herniation is often the result of gradual, aging-related wear and tear or disc degeneration. This means that as we age, we all experience a disc herniation. If we are healthy, then to a lesser degree than someone who was injured.
Disc herniation can also happen to young adults due to trauma such as that caused by an injury related to an accident, work, or sports. A disc herniation on its own is not a sufficient reason to qualify for a PWD ID. Once implants are required and the spine is permanently compromised, then that is when it qualifies.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is considered a disability; however, not all applicants with this condition are approved for assistance, especially if there is no visible curvature in their spine and the supporting documents do not adequately validate the condition. I know someone who claims to have scoliosis, but despite my efforts, I can’t see any indication of it. To be fair, it may not be very pronounced, and I’ve never seen his bare back, so how could I really know? I also haven’t viewed his X-rays, and most importantly, I am not a doctor.
My niece has scoliosis as well. When she was younger, she had to wear a body brace. Although she no longer wears one, her scoliosis hasn’t disappeared; it has simply become less severe. I’m not sure if her parents ever applied for a PWD (Person with Disability) ID for her, as that option didn’t exist back then.
Visual disability
You don’t need to be completely blind, but if your eyesight is so poor that it cannot be addressed by corrective glasses, lenses, or medication, then you can apply.
What to do
If you have a non-apparent disability and wish to apply for a PWD ID, ensure that your documents are complete. The medical abstract you provide should clearly demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for the ID. If you do not qualify, take a moment to appreciate your good health.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 20, 2022 | Book Reviews
I started reading Bite-Size Luna by Ashleigh Dana Burnell out of curiosity, partly because I knew it was a prequel to the A Queen Among series but mainly because the title intrigued me.
Gabrielle from Xena: Warrior Princess played by Renee O’Connor
The main character is Sorrell. In my head, I was visualizing Gabrielle from Xena: Warrior Princess with the sais. She is diminutive in stature and an Omega, which means she has a wolf but cannot shift. But despite this, she is a warrior, trained by her dad, and wants to be a warrior for the pack. Her weapon of choice: sais. Sadly, their pack does not recognize Omegas as equals and is not included in training.
The new Alpha of the pack is Alden. He did not agree with many things his father, the former Alpha, imposed on the pack. He planned to make some changes, including warrior training for all, including children. He believes that the only way to be sure the pack is safe is if everyone in the pack has the basic skills (at least) to protect it – and the most vulnerable pack members, like the children, are always the ones more likely to get hurt.
He also wanted to change the prejudice his pack has against Omegas. Just because they are unable to shift does not make them any less than the others. Omegas are not servants or slaves. They are mutolupus just like everyone else. He spots Sorrell in the forest training in secret, mimicking the drills below, and is instantly attracted to her. In his heart, he feels she is his mate, but she is still too young to know it.
Ashleigh Dana Burnell’s world feels the same but different at the same time. This is mostly because of the different terms she used in place of the ones most people are used to. Where most authors would call fated mates simply “mate”, she called them “animai”. Where others would just say “werewolf”, she called them “mutolupus”.
I don’t think it is a big deal since authors can basically do whatever they want in their made-up world and as we read, we just get used to it. To be honest, I kept reading “animai” as “animal” so it often made me pause as it didn’t make sense.
Ashleigh Dana Burnell categorizes Bite-Size Luna as a “novella” as it is longer than a short story at 30 chapters. I’ve read shorter stories on Goodnovel but of a different genre.
Bite-Size Luna by Ashleigh Dana Burnell is fun to read. Set in the 70s, it has humor, romance, frustrating characters, new monsters, and unexpected friendships. You can find this jewel on Goodnovel. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Jacob and Claire have known each other for years, ever since they were kids. They are 5 years apart in age. Claire used to bring him treats like cupcakes and cookies that they would eat by the lake. Jake would let her join in when he and the other boys were playing, despite the protests of the others. Sweet, ain’t it?
But things are not as simple as some guys getting a girl knocked up. This girl happens to be the granddaughter of the head of the mafia in their area, the Giordanos. Sidenote: I found that funny because, to me, Giordano is a shirt brand.
Certain mental disabilities, such as ADHD and bipolar disorder, often require a comprehensive medical abstract from a licensed psychologist affiliated with a hospital before they can be approved. I’ve heard of cases where a person may have both ADHD and bipolar disorder simultaneously, frequently accompanied by severe depression. Although this can occur, approval for these conditions will not be granted without the necessary medical documentation.
A slipped (or herniated) disc, for example, is not considered a disability. I am not a doctor, so please don’t quote me on this, but I assume that a herniated disc is not approved because it is common and does not significantly impact our lives in the long term.
Scoliosis is considered a disability; however, not all applicants with this condition are approved for assistance, especially if there is no visible curvature in their spine and the supporting documents do not adequately validate the condition. I know someone who claims to have scoliosis, but despite my efforts, I can’t see any indication of it. To be fair, it may not be very pronounced, and I’ve never seen his bare back, so how could I really know? I also haven’t viewed his X-rays, and most importantly, I am not a doctor.
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